Renewed Cambodia–Thailand Clashes Force Over 500,000 Into Shelters as Leaders Face International Pressure

Fresh fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand frontier has driven more than half a million people from their homes, with officials reporting at least 15 dead as jets, tanks and drones operated near disputed temples and border towns.

What Happened

AFP reporters in Samraong, northwestern Cambodia, heard incoming artillery from the direction of centuries-old temples in contested border zones. By afternoon, hundreds of families were leaving a pagoda outside Samraong where they had sheltered since Monday.

"Authorities say it is not safe anymore," said Seut Soeung, 30, as she rested by the roadside with her family.

Both governments blame the other for reigniting the violence. The clashes — the worst since five days of fighting in July — have spread across multiple provinces in both countries.

Human Impact

At least 15 people, including Thai soldiers and Cambodian civilians, have been reported killed. Cambodian authorities later gave an internal tally of 10 civilian deaths and earlier said an infant was among the casualties; independent verification remains limited amid the fighting.

Evacuation figures differ by government: Thailand's defence ministry said more than 400,000 civilians had been moved to shelters, while Cambodia's defence spokeswoman, Maly Socheata, reported more than 101,000 people evacuated to pagodas, schools and relatives' homes. In total, media and officials estimate the displaced population exceeds 500,000.

A curfew was announced by the Thai military in parts of Sa Kaeo province from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am. Residents such as 62-year-old sugarcane farmer Niam Poda described fleeing suddenly when explosions rang out, leaving behind medicines and belongings.

Claims, Accusations and Targets

Officials on both sides have exchanged accusations. Cambodia accused Thai forces of indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas and firing on the Ta Krabey temple, which Phnom Penh described as a sacred site. Thailand said Cambodian forces fired rockets that landed near Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province — a site hit during July’s clashes.

Regional And International Response

In Washington, President Donald Trump said he planned to call the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia and expressed confidence he could help halt the fighting. The United States, China and Malaysia (as ASEAN chair) had brokered a fragile ceasefire in July, and a follow-up declaration later supported by the U.S. was suspended by Thailand the following month.

"If any third country wants to mediate, Thailand can't accept that at this stage because the line has been crossed," said Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, adding that trust must be rebuilt before talks can resume.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that bilateral agreements had yet to translate into effective protection for civilians. The Pope called for a ceasefire and offered prayers for those fleeing the violence. As a precaution, Cambodia withdrew from the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand citing athlete safety concerns.

Background

Thailand and Cambodia have long disputed colonial-era demarcations along an roughly 800-kilometre border, with competing claims to historic temples periodically sparking violence. The current clashes are the deadliest flare-up since the July confrontation that prompted international mediation.

Developing Story: Reports continue to emerge and numbers may be revised as journalists and aid agencies gain access to affected areas. Authorities on both sides warn residents to stay away from frontline zones and historic temple complexes until the situation stabilises.